Principal’s Letter

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Richmond Primary School.

Richmond Primary School is a proud South Australian Government school providing quality education for children from Reception to Year 6. Located close to the city, the school is a vibrant learning community. Richmond Primary School is known for its excellent programs, cultural diversity, up to date facilities, beautiful grounds and friendly, engaged students.

At Richmond our students are supported to learn and grow in a caring family atmosphere as we develop their skills to become active, articulate citizens of the world.

Richmond Primary offers a high quality, innovative teaching and learning program that is based on the Australian Curriculum. Programs are structured to ensure that every child has access to quality literacy and numeracy programs including intervention and enrichment. Specialist lessons in Physical Education, Visual Arts, Science and Italian are offered throughout the year.

Our newly equipped STEM facilities and Early Years building update is a focal point for future learning and instrumental in the implementation of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) strategy. Richmond Primary School places great importance on the integration of current digital technologies into all curriculum areas with fully networked computers, interactive televisions/whiteboards and iPads in every classroom.

Our newly created Nature Play area offers our students the opportunity to connect with nature; research shows the benefits of which positively impact children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health.

All teaching and support staff are encouraged and supported to plan collaboratively to improve student learning outcome and to cater for different learning styles and social and emotional needs. In order to implement high‐yield teaching practices that engage, challenge and intellectually stretch learners, and develop them as powerful and expert learners of numeracy and literacy. We focus on targeted differentiation teaching, clear learning intentions, logical and intentional sequencing of the learning, explicit teaching, multiple approached and ongoing feedback.

Positive relationships between students, parents and staff are heavily promoted. A strong sense of enthusiasm, energy and excitement exists in our school community. Parental involvement and participation in the educative process can take many forms; ranging from helping at working bees, fundraisers and class volunteering to involvement in School Governing Council. This is a vital part of a high functioning education site.

During 2019, our students, teachers and families were involved in reviewing and creating a current set of school values via surveys and forums. As a result we identified four key words, which best describe values we believe are most important to us as a community of learners. These are Courage, Inclusivity, Empathy and Honesty.

We pride ourselves on the open and friendly community atmosphere at Richmond Primary School. I invite you to find out more about our unique school.

“Growth for every child in every classroom”

Principal

Our History

Our school has a proud history. Originally opened in 1898 with 172 students, it was at that time surrounded by farming land. This connection with growing and developing its grounds continues through to the present time with such projects as development of our school’s Kaurna Trail, shady trees, grassed areas and modern playgrounds.

Over time, building works have accommodated the changes in student population. The original “Old School Building” has been renovated and currently accommodates the Out of School Care (OSHC) program and Instrumental music lessons.

New additions to the school were completed in 1980 including two teaching blocks containing Junior Primary and Primary classes respectively. The central Administration Block contains offices, staff room and Resource Centre. A Gymnasium is used by classes for physical education programs. Students engage in dynamic learning through access to a range of digital technologies.

The 1981 section of the school was redeveloped in 2010 under the Building the Education Revolution initiative and was opened in 2011. In 2016 DECD funded the resurfacing of our asphalt Capital Works Program.

In 2017 our school community has received STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) funding, which provides our students and staff with areas to cater for contemporary teaching and learning methods. The STEM approach to teaching and learning gives students the opportunity to engage in challenging problems and projects. Hands-on practical activities help learners: experiment, use new technologies, test ideas and make and create innovative solutions to real, complex problems.

In 2019, a “plant room” was refurbished to house quality EALD small group learning support. Students for whom English is an additional language or dialect (EALD) require specific support to build the English language skills required for effective communication and access to the Australian Curriculum.

In 2021 another plant room was refurbished to create a teaching space for the Italian language program.

In 2022 the playgrounds will undergo a $400 000 upgrade. The work will include replacing traditional play equipment as well as creating outdoor learning areas.

The school continues to invest in maintaining and developing the school facilities to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all of us.